Build a Skatepark: A Community Triumph
Mark Ward, along with Gavin Talbot and Phil McCormack, spearheaded a community-driven campaign to renovate Hadleigh's deteriorating skatepark. They raised £120,000 through various funding sources and community contributions, engaging local skateboarders in the design process to create a safe and inclusive skatepark.
Phase Two: Expansion
Following the initial success, a second phase of expansion was undertaken, extending the park with an additional £70,000 investment. This extension coincided with the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, adding further excitement and opportunity for the community.
A Passion for Skating
Teaching and Inspiration
Ward, who carried out the project out of love and passion for helping the youth, remains actively involved in the skatepark. He continues to teach skateboarding for free, ensuring that the park serves as a positive and supportive space for kids to learn, grow, and enjoy themselves.
Conclusion
The Hadleigh skatepark project stands as a testament to what community collaboration, determination, and a genuine desire to make a difference can achieve, offering a vibrant space for all ages to enjoy skating.
I was NEVER a skateboarder, but when your 40 years old and a 16 year old throws you a board, you have two choice. I taught myself and my son and Braille Skateboarding USA was nice enough to send gifts like a sponsorship, and to this day I'd like the thank Rob Hargreaves for his support in the USA. Helping Teenage Cancer Trust with a skate event and being approached by Skateboard GB about the olympics to help the skaters. Whilst travelling on business I didn't realise that skateboarding has a few very positive parts, its non competitive, any age, any level but more importantly i was welcomed into a huge family of peace loving people.
legacy
I stay in touch with the local skaters and keep an eye on the park, keep it clean ans safe and the council support me. It was the kids that said "Mark how many smiles has the park produced ?", they call it the "Smile factory", concidering it was designed using toilet rolls and paper as i did not want a traditional square park, so naturally i designed a circular one, this allowed phase 2 to wrap phase 1 to get more park!
The top image shows the waste ground i had, the image below shows the result.
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Mark Ward, along with Gavin Talbot and Phil McCormack, spearheaded a community-driven campaign to renovate Hadleigh's deteriorating skatepark. They raised £120,000 through various funding sources and community contributions, engaging local skateboarders in the design process to create a safe and inclusive skatepark.
Following the initial success, a second phase of expansion was undertaken, extending the park with an additional £70,000 investment. This extension coincided with the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, adding further excitement and opportunity for the community.
Ward, who carried out the project out of love and passion for helping the youth, remains actively involved in the skatepark. He continues to teach skateboarding for free, ensuring that the park serves as a positive and supportive space for kids to learn, grow, and enjoy themselves.
The Hadleigh skatepark project stands as a testament to what community collaboration, determination, and a genuine desire to make a difference can achieve, offering a vibrant space for all ages to enjoy skating.
I was NEVER a skateboarder, but when your 40 years old and a 16 year old throws you a board, you have two choice. I taught myself and my son and Braille Skateboarding USA was nice enough to send gifts like a sponsorship, and to this day I'd like the thank Rob Hargreaves for his support in the USA. Helping Teenage Cancer Trust with a skate event and being approached by Skateboard GB about the olympics to help the skaters. Whilst travelling on business I didn't realise that skateboarding has a few very positive parts, its non competitive, any age, any level but more importantly i was welcomed into a huge family of peace loving people.
legacy
I stay in touch with the local skaters and keep an eye on the park, keep it clean ans safe and the council support me. It was the kids that said "Mark how many smiles has the park produced ?", they call it the "Smile factory", concidering it was designed using toilet rolls and paper as i did not want a traditional square park, so naturally i designed a circular one, this allowed phase 2 to wrap phase 1 to get more park!The top image shows the waste ground i had, the image below shows the result.